Long-Term Effect of Fertilizers and Amendments on Depth-Wise Distribution of Available NPK,Micronutrient Cations,Productivity, and NPK Uptake by Maize-Wheat System in an Acid Alfisol of NorthWestern Himalayas

The present study was undertaken in the ongoing long-term fertilizer experiment initiated during 1972 at experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur (India). Soil samples collected from three depths (0–0.15, 0.15–0.30, and 0.30–0.45 m) were analyzed for pH; organic carbon; CEC; available N, P, and K; and micronutrients cations. Continuous use of optimal dose of fertilizers and FYM-influenced pH, organic carbon, CEC, available NPK, and DTPA extractable micronutrient cations significantly. The contents of organic carbon, available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were higher in top soil layer (0–0.15 m) compared to lower depths (0.15–0.30 and 0.30–0.45 m). Highest productivity of wheat (89.89 q ha^?1) and maize (156.52 q ha^?1) was recorded under 100% NPK + FYM, which was at par with 100% NPK + lime. Application of 100% NPK along with amendments (FYM/lime) recorded significantly higher NPK uptake over other treatments.     

Rates of decomposition and nutrient mineralization of leaf litter from different orchards under hot and dry sub-humid climate

Leaf litter decomposition is a critical step in nutrient cycling and providing nutrients to plants. Decomposition of dry matter, lignin, ligno-cellulose, cellulose and polyphenols was investigated in relation to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) dynamics in leaf litter of mango, guava and litchi orchards under hot and dry sub-humid climate. Leaf litter of mango and guava decomposed more rapidly than that of litchi with decay constants of 3.22, 1.33 and 0.62 yr^-1, respectively. The leaf litter organic substances like polyphenol lost more rapidly followed by cellulose, lignin and ligno-cellulose throughout the period of decomposition. The N was released faster both in mango and guava with decay constant of 4.06 and 2.11 yr^-1, respectively. The release of K was faster in mango followed by guava and litchi with decay constant of 4.66, 3.18 and 1.63 yr^-1, respectively. The leaf litter decomposition was significantly positively correlated with soil fungal and bacterial biomass, rainfall and air temperature, while the leaf chemistry showed significant negative correlations in all the orchards. The results demonstrated that mango leaf litter was found to be the best followed by guava, and litchi in terms of N, P, and K return in less period of time.     

Response of mango tree nutritional status and biochemical constituents to boron and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Al Malak Valley Farm, El-Sharkeya Governorate-Egypt (30°–51° N; 32°–53° E) using 15 years old productive mango (Mangifera indica L.) trees cv. Zebda. The experiment was repeated for two successive seasons (2014/2015) and (2015/2016). The trees were planted 8×8 meters apart in sandy soil under drip irrigation system using the Nile water. Treatments included three concentrations of boron (0.0, 250, 500?mg L^?1) and three concentrations of nitrogen (1000, 1250, 1500?g nitrogen/tree/year). Boron was applied as foliar spray of boric acid and nitrogen was applied to the soil as ammonium sulfate. Treatments were arranged in a factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with three replicates for each treatment. Results show that boron application has improved mango tree nutritional status. Leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron concentrations significantly increased as the boron application rate increased. In addition, boron application resulted in significant increase in leaf total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates, total sugars, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and decrease in total phenol content. Boron showed higher impact than nitrogen on all tested parameters. The interaction treatment of 250?mg L^?1 boron and 1500?g/tree nitrogen proved to be the best treatment.     

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System for Monitoring Nutrient Status of Mango Trees in Submountainous Area of Punjab,India

Abstract

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) was used to identify nutrient status of mango fruit trees in Punjab, India. Standard norms established from the nutrient survey of mango fruit trees were 1.144, 0.126, 0.327, 2.587, 0.263, 0.141% for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S), and 15, 3.5, 145, 155, and 30 mg kg^?1, respectively, for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) in dry matter. On the basis of DRIS indices, 16, 15, 12, 17, and 16% of total samples collected during nutrients survey of mango trees were low in N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, respectively. For micronutrients, 19, 18, 12, 20, and 6% samples were inadequate in Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and B, respectively. DRIS‐derived sufficiency ranges from nutrient indexing survey were 0.92–1.37, 0.08–0.16, 0.21–0.44, 1.71–3.47, 0.15–0.37, and 0.09–0.19% for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S and 11–19, 1–6, 63–227, 87–223, and 16–44 mg kg^?1 for Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and B, respectively.     

DISTRIBUTION AND PHYTOAVAILABILITY PREDICTION OF ZINC IN AGRICULTURAL CALCAREOUS SOILS

The extractability and distributions of zinc (Zn) were evaluated in calcareous agricultural soils from South-West Iran. Both single [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)] and sequential extraction procedures (Singh scheme) were applied to 20 representative soils. The DTPA extractable zinc levels were low (on average 3.34%). The sequential extraction procedures were also utilized for the study of zinc phytoavailability in maize plants (Zea mays L.) in a greenhouse experiment. The Singh scheme was significantly better than DTPA plus soil properties in phytoavailability prediction of zinc in soils. Significant correlations were found between the amounts of DTPA extractable zinc and the iron (Fe) oxides-bound (AFe and CFe) and residual fractions extracted by the Singh procedure. Zinc concentrations in plant samples (mean value of 27.49 mg kg^?1) were poorly correlated with the different extracted soil fractions (single and sequential). The Singh procedure provided better predictions of zinc uptake by plants than DTPA extraction method.     

Zinc Deficiency in Rainfed Wheat in Pakistan: Magnitude,Spatial Variability,Management, and Plant Analysis Diagnostic Norms

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread micronutrient disorder in crops grown in calcareous soils; therefore, we conducted a nutrient indexing of farmer‐grown rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. Pak‐81) in 1.82 Mha Potohar plateau of Pakistan by sampling up to 30 cm tall whole shoots and associated soils. The crop was Zn deficient in more than 80% of the sampled fields, and a good agreement existed between plant Zn concentration and surface soil AB‐DTPA Zn content (r=0.52; p≤0.01). Contour maps of the sampled areas, prepared by geostatistical analysis techniques and computer graphics, delineated areas of Zn deficiency and, thus, would help focus future research and development. In two field experiments on rainfed wheat grown in alkaline Zn‐deficient Typic Haplustalfs (AB‐DTPA Zn, 0.49–0.52 mg kg^?1), soil‐applied Zn increased grain yield up to 12% over control. Fertilizer requirement for near‐maximum wheat grain yield was 2.0 kg Zn ha^?1, with a VCR of 4∶1. Zinc content in mature grain was a good indicator of soil Zn availability status, and plant tissue critical Zn concentration ranges appear to be 16–20 mg kg^?1 in young whole shoots, 12–16 mg kg^?1 in flag leaves, and 20–24 mg Zn kg^?1 in mature grains.     

Measuring and simulating pH buffer capacity of calcareous soils using empirical and mechanistic models

ABSTRACT

We studied (i) the pH buffer capacity (pHBC) of calcareous soils varied widely in calcite and texture, (ii) the contribution of soil properties to pHBC and (iii) the significance of using a model based on calcite dissolution to estimate the pHBC of calcareous soils. The pHBC of soils was measured by adding several rates of HCl to soils (100–6500 mM H⁺ kg^–1), in a 0.01 M CaCl₂ background and an equilibration time of 24 h. The pHBC (mM H⁺ kg^–1 pH^?1) varied from 55 to 3383, with the mean of 1073. The pHBC of the soils was strongly correlated with soil CaCO₃ equivalent (calcite) (r = 0.94), sand (r = ?0.72), silt (r = 0.60), EC (r = 0.63), pH (r = 0.55), and weakly (r = 0.37) but significantly with clay content. The attained pHBC values indicated that calcite was probably the main buffer system in these soils. The chemical equilibrium model successfully predicted pH titration curves based on calcite dissolution, indicating buffering of acid inputs in the calcareous soils is dominated by calcite dissolution. The model can be used to simulate acidification of calcareous soils and to provide information for making environmental management decisions.     

Decomposition and Nutrient Release from Litter Fall in the Semi‐arid Tropics of Sudan

In Sudan, tree plantations remain the first choice and are widely used in protecting arable lands from sand movement. Decomposition and nutrient changes from leaves of some agroforestry trees (Eucalyptus microtheca, Ficus spp., and Leucaena leucocephala) and litter fall from guava (Psidium guajava) and mango (Magnifera indica) were monitored (in a 12‐week litter‐bag experiment). Rate of dry‐matter weight loss from guava (0.098 wk^?1) was significantly (P < 0.01) faster than from mango residues (0.04 wk^?1). Corresponding values for Leucaena, Eucalyptus, and Ficus were 0.0533, 0.0524, and 0.0438 wk^?1, respectively. In general, micronutrients tend to accummulate during a decomposition period. Potassium (K) was the only element found to be consistently lost by leaching very rapidly from all litters. Nitrogen (N) was released at a significantly (P < 0.03) higher rate from Leucaena (0.0558 wk^?1) compared to Ficus (0.0399 wk^?1) and Eucalyptus (0.0301 wk^?1). Mobility of nutrients from the litters was in the order of K > phosphorus (P) = N > calcium (Ca) > magnesium (Mg). It is concluded that ficus and mango leaves are suitable for improving quality of arid soils through buildup of soil organic matter and supplying easily released organic sulfur (S) (environmentally sound management practice) whereas litter from guava is suitable for temporary nutrient correction. Mixing of guava and mango residues may slow fast decomposition of the former.     

Decomposition of Subtropical Fruit Tree Leaf Litter at Nelspruit,South Africa

There is limited information about the decomposition of leaf litter from subtropical fruit trees despite their potential for managing soil fertility. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of quality on decomposition and nutrient-release patterns from leaf litter of avocado, litchi, and mango trees in South Africa. The litterbag technique was used for investigation. The decomposition results over 2 years indicated significant differences in mass loss among the tree species with low rapid loss for litchi (57.3 percent). The annual decomposition rate constant (k) decreased in the order mango (0.82) > avocado (0.76) > litchi (0.69). The concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and polyphenols in all species decreased while nitrogen, sulfur, and calcium concentrations increased with time. The nutrient-release pattern of the leaf litter from the three species varied considerably due to different quality characteristics. This had an influence on litter decomposition and thus its management.     

Chemical Fractions of Mn in Acidic Soils and Selection of Suitable Soil Extractants for Assessing Mn Availability to Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Twenty surface (0–15 cm) samples of acidic soils were analyzed for water soluble (WS), exchangeable (EX), lead displaceable (Pb-disp.), acid soluble (AS), manganese (Mn) oxide occluded (MnOX), organically bound (OB), amorphous Fe oxide occluded (AFeOX), crystalline iron (Fe) oxide occluded (CFeOX) and residual (RES) fractions of Mn, and also for extractable Mn in some common soil extractants: (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) (pH 7.3), DTPA (pH 5.3), AB-DTPA (pH 7.6), Mehlich-3 (pH 2.0), Modified Olsen, 0.005 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 1 M magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and ion exchange resins. The WS-Mn fraction showed a significant and positive correlation with Mn extractable in DTPA (pH 5.3) and AB-DTPA (pH 7.6), while both WS-Mn and EX-Mn fractions correlated significantly and positively with Mn concentration and uptake by maize plants grown in these soils. The AB-DTPA (pH 7.6) and DTPA (pH 5.3) appeared suitable to assess the availability of Mn in acidic soils.     

Simultaneous Dynamics and Kinetics of Soil Phosphorus Under Different Fertilizer Systems During Two-Growth Seasons of Maize

This study investigated phosphorus (P) dynamics and kinetics in calcareous soil under inorganic, organic, and integrated (inorganic+organic) fertilizer systems during two growing seasons of maize in two soil depths (0–0.15 and 0.15–0.30 m). A field experiment was conducted with 150, 300, and 400 kg ha^?1 triple superphosphate (TSP), 7.5 and 15.0 ton ha^?1 (on dry matter basis) farmyard manure (FYM), and integrated systems. In order to analyze Olsen P, soil samples were collected in 30-day-intervals after planting. The results showed that at the end of the two growing seasons of maize, the lowest magnitudes of Olsen P_0–0.15 m were 6.0, 6.8, 7.4, and 7.6 mg kg^?1 for the control, 7.5 FYM, 15 FYM, and 150 TSP, respectively. The highest magnitudes of Olsen P_0–0.15 m were 12.4, 11.5, 11.4, and 11.1 mg kg^?1 for 300 TSP+15 FYM, 400 TSP+7.5 FYM, 400 TSP+15 FYM, and 300 TSP+7.5 FYM, respectively. The same trends were observed for Olsen P_{0.15–0.30 m}. Heterogeneous diffusion model demonstrated that Elovich equation could best describe the experimental data (mean; R² = 0.98, SE = 0.29). The highest P supply rates (PSR) were 4.73, 3.91, and 3.86 mg kg^?1day^?1 (days after application) for 400 TSP, 400 TSP+15 FYM, and 300 TSP, respectively. The models of P supply capacity of soil could estimate P supply of soil under different fertilizer systems (R² = 0.84–0.95). The present study improved the understanding of the capacity and rate of P supply by considering P uptake by grain maize. Fertilizer recommendations depend on the accessibility of fertilizer types suggested to help choose the best fertilizer systems.     

Estimation of Fine Root Biomass of Alders Growing on Technosols Using Two Different Methods

Fine roots play an important role in organic matter accumulation in reclaimed mine soils. However, estimation of the increment of fine root biomass is difficult and none of the existing methods is universal. The paper examined two methods for measurement of fine roots biomass increment (FRBI): i) with using the root-ingrowth core method (RIC) and ii) the monolith sampling method (MSC). The study was conducted under alder plantings (Alnus incana, A. glutinosa and A. viridis) introduced on technosols at a combustion waste disposal site and a former open-cast sand mine. The FRBI determined using MSC method was significantly lower (33–481 g m^?2 yr^?1) and less variable than the FRBI measured with RIC (85–2317 g m^?2 yr^?1). However, the results obtained with both methods were correlated (r = 0.70, P = 0,05). Consequently, MSC is better to qualitatively compare the habitats of tree species in terms of their ability to produce fine roots. However, in the initial soils where plants very often produce more fine roots, RIC seems to be more suitable. This method shows the actual ability of trees to produce roots in order to satisfy their life needs when acquiring a new habitat on reclaimed soils. Such information is particularly important in oligotrophic soils where nutrient deficiency may be balanced only by the efficient circulation and decomposition of organic matter (SOM) including the fine roots that die off after each growing season.     

Regulatory effects of sulfur on oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) response to selenite

Selenite is a form of selenium (Se) commonly found in Se-excessive soils. To regulate the Se content in plants in high-Se areas, a potted soil experiment was performed on oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) to evaluate the effects of varied amounts of sulfur (S) on the biomass, accumulation and distribution of Se in B. napus under the conditions of different amounts of Se in the soil. The results showed that the seedlings of B. napus were more sensitive to Se than the mature plants were. The addition of S significantly alleviated the growth inhibition in seedlings and facilitated the growth of mature plants under higher Se (15 mg kg^?1) conditions. S treatment significantly decreased soil pH within the range of 0.22–0.60. An appropriate moderate amount (150 mg kg^?1) of S exerted the strongest inhibition on Se concentration and accumulation in B. napus at the seedling stage, but a higher amount (300 mg kg^?1) of S led to a more significant decrease in the mature plants under higher Se conditions, with the maximum reduction in various parts of B. napus reaching 51.3–60.9% and 42.5–53.4%, respectively. The application of S only affected the uptake of Se, and not the translocation of Se; the accumulation of Se in B. napus follows the sequence of pod ≈ stem > rapeseed > root, and the distribution ratio is approximately 1.00:0.97:0.69:0.49. Overall, the application of S alleviated the inhibitory effect on growth caused by excessive Se by reducing the Se concentration in B. napus and facilitating its growth, suggesting that S treatment is a suitable and highly cost-effective method to regulate the content of Se in B. napus.     

The Effect of Liming on the Availability of Cadmium in Soils and Its Uptake in Cacao (Theobroma c acao L.) In Trinidad & Tobago

ABSTRACT

Cadmium (Cd) is absorbed and bio-accumulated by cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) trees, resulting in unacceptably elevated levels in cocoa beans, necessitating measures to reduce its uptake from soils. A field experiment, lasting 18 months, was carried out to assess the effectiveness of liming on pH, bioavailability of Cd in soils and its uptake in cacao tissues. The treatments were: (a) control (untreated) and (b) lime-treated trees. Results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the soil pH (lime treated) and a natural fluctuation in pH for the control. For the lime-treated trees, bioavailable Cd levels generally stabilized with no significant change (P > 0.05) compared to the significant (P < 0.05) increase showed by control trees. The Cd levels in the leaves of both treatments decreased, however, the rate of decline in leaf Cd concentrations for lime-treated trees (?0.1378) was 3x faster than control (?0.0497) trees demonstrating the effectiveness of liming.     

Effect of soil type on the time-course of changes in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity in Tokachi District,Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

To clarify the effect of soil type on changes in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity since 1980 in Tokachi District (Hokkaido, Japan), we analyzed yield data from 121 settlements from 1980 to 2002 using maps of parent materials and surface organic matter contents in a geographical information system. The soil types were Brown Lowland soils, Andosols with an alluvial subsoil, Wet Andosols and Andosols. The sugar beet yields were highest in the Andosols and moderate in Andosols with an alluvial subsoil. Yields in Brown Lowland soils in the 1980s were similar to those in Andosols, but decreased below the yields in the Andosols by the 1990s. The yields in Wet Andosols were the lowest in the 1980s, but have been similar to those in Andosols with an alluvial subsoil since 1990. Thus, productivity appears to have varied over time in Brown Lowland soils and Wet Andosols. The correlation coefficients between yields and cumulative daily mean temperature from late April to mid-July since 1990 were highest in the Andosols (r = 0.67), lowest in the Brown Lowland soils (r = 0.50) and intermediate in the other soil types (r = 0.54–0.60). However, the magnitude of the correlation between the yield and the cumulative precipitation since 1990 was lowest in the Andosols (r = –0.22), highest in the Brown Lowland soils (r = –0.58) and intermediate in the other soil types (r = –0.44 to –0.45). These results suggest that the present soil water environment in the Andosols is superior to that in the other soil types.     

Copper Accumulation and Availability in Sandy,Acid, Vineyard Soils

The use of copper (Cu)-based fungicides to control diseases in vineyards can cause excessive Cu accumulation in soils. Greater Cu availability is expected in acid sandy soils with low organic matter (OM), where the risk of toxicity to plants and environment contamination is high. This study aimed to study the evolution of Cu in acid, sandy soils planted with grapevines for a period of time between 2 and 32 years. Two studies were carried out in South Brazil: in the first study, soil samples, from 19 vineyards were collected and analyzed in the first 0.2 m depth-layer for the total and available Cu. In the second study, 3 soils were selected among the previous 19 according to the age of vineyard (5, 11, and 30 year-old), and their 0.60 m-depth profile was analyzed for 5 fractions of Cu (soluble, exchangeable, mineral, organic, and residual). All the soils were classified as Ultisols. The vineyards with more than 25 years under cultivation had a mean total Cu concentration of 90 mg kg^?1 in the 0–0.10 m layer. Approximately 80% of it was potentially available to plants. The greatest total and available Cu were found in the soil surface layers (0.2 m depth), where up to 75% of the total Cu is adsorbed in clay minerals and only 20% is complexed in the OM.     

Extractability and plant uptake of heavy metals in alum shale soils

Abstract

Fifty soil samples (0–20 cm) with corresponding numbers of grain, potatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower crops were collected from soils developed on alum shale materials in Southeastern Norway to investigate the availability of [cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn)] in the soil and the uptake of the metals by these crops. Both total (aqua regia soluble) and extractable [ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) and DTPA] concentrations of metals in the soils were studied. The total concentration of all the heavy metals in the soils were higher compared to other soils found in this region. Forty‐four percent of the soil samples had higher Cd concentration than the limit for application of sewage sludge, whereas the corresponding values for Ni, Cu, and Zn were 60%, 38%, and 16%, respectively. About 70% the soil samples had a too high concentration of one or more of the heavy metals in relation to the limit for application of sewage sludge. Cadmium was the most soluble of the heavy metals, implying that it is more bioavailable than the other non‐essential metals, Pb and Ni. The total (aqua regia soluble) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni and the concentrations of DTPA‐extractable Cd and Ni were significantly higher in the loam soils than in the sandy loam soils. The amount of NH₄NCyextractable metals did not differ between the texture classes. The concentrations of DTPA‐extractable metals were positively and significantly correlated with the total concentrations of the same metals. Ammonium nitrate‐extractable metals, on the other hand, were not related to their total concentrations, but they were negatively and significantly correlated to soil pH. The average concentration of Cd (0.1 mg kg^‐1 d.w.) in the plants was relatively high compared to the concentration previously found in plants grown on the other soils. The concentrations of the other heavy metals Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Pb in the plants were considered to be within the normal range, except for some samples with relatively high concentrations of Ni and Mn (0–11.1 and 3.5 to 167 mg kg‘¹ d.w., respectively). The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Mn in grain were positively correlated to the concentrations of these respective metals in the soil extracted by NH₄NO₃. The plant concentrations were negatively correlated to pH. The DTPA‐extractable levels were not correlated with plant concentration and hence DTPA would not be a good extractant for determining plant availability in these soils.     

Evaluation of the NH4HCO3‐DTPA soil test for assessing boron availability to wheat

Abstract

The NH₄HCO₃‐DTPA (AB‐DTPA), 1 MNH₄HCO₃, 0.005 M DTPA, pH=7.6, was proposed as a multi‐element extractant, for evaluating macro and micronutrients availability to plants. AB‐DTPA was also evaluated as a soil test, for assessing boron availability and toxicity to alfalfa. In a pot experiment, ten soils of Northern Greece were used to assess AB‐DTPA as an extractant of available boron to wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Yecora), in comparison with hot water and saturation extract. Boron (B) was added as borax (Na₂B₄O₇*10H₂O) to the ten soils, at rates equal to 0, 3, and 5 mg B kg^‐1. Wheat was grown in pots containing the boron amended soils to the stage of tillering, and dry aboveground biomass, B concentration and B uptake by wheat were determined. AB‐DTPA extractable B was significantly greater than saturation extract and similar to hot water at each B application rate, and was correlated significantly with hot water (r=0.84), or with saturation extract (r=0.48). Extractable boron by all extractants, boron concentration in wheat and boron uptake were significantly affected by the soil x B application rate interaction. In assessing B availability to wheat using AB‐DTPA as a soil test, CEC should be included in the regression equation for B concentration, or pH for B uptake. However, the corresponding adjusted coefficients of determination for B concentration (adjusted R²=0.46) and B uptake (adjusted R²=0.48) were similar or lower to those of hot water (adjusted R²=0.45 and 0.60, respectively) and the saturation extract (adjusted R²=0.70 and 0.49, respectively), when the latter two soil tests were used in the regression equations without the inclusion of any soil property.     

Investigation of Aluminum‐Tolerant Species in Acid Soils of South China

Abstract

The low‐hilly regions in South China are mainly covered with Ultisols and Alfisols with a pH of 4.5–6.0. The major factor limiting crop performance is soluble aluminum (Al) in acid soils, resulting in phytotoxicity in susceptible species. An investigation in Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces in South China showed that many plants including some native plants and cultivated crops (total of 27 species) could grow well in acid soils of these areas. The Al‐accumulating capacity in leaves varied greatly from species to species. Camellia oleifera Abel accumulated more than 13,500 mg kg^?1 Al in old leaves; Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, and Dicranopteris pedata (Houtt.) Nakaike accumulated more than 1000 mg kg^?1 Al in leaves; and Oryza sativa L., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Citrus reticulata Blanco, and Brassica chinensis L. accumulated less than 200 mg kg^?1 Al in leaves. This investigation provides an important basis for further exploring Al accumulation and resistant mechanisms in plants.     

Forms and Uptake of Manganese in Relation to Soil Taxonomic Orders in Alluvial Soils of Punjab,India

Different forms of manganese (Mn) were investigated, including total, diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) extractable, soil solution plus exchangeable (Mn), Mn adsorbed onto inorganic sites, Mn bound by organic sites, and Mn adsorbed onto oxide surfaces, from four soil taxonomic orders in northwestern India. The total Mn content was 200–950 mg kg^?1, DTPA-extractable Mn content was 0.60–5.80 mg kg^?1, soil solution plus exchangeable Mn content was 0.02–0.80 mg kg^?1, Mn adsorbed onto inorganic sites was 2.46–90 mg kg^?1, and Mc adsorbed onto oxide surfaces was 6.0–225.0 mg kg^?1. Irrespective of the different fractions of Mn their content was generally greater in the fine-textured Alfisols and Inceptisols than in coarse-textured Entisols and Aridisols. The proportion of the Mn fractions extracted from the soil was in the order as follows: Adsorbed onto oxide surfaces > adsorbed onto inorganic site > organically bound > DTPA > soil solution + exchangeable. Based on coefficient of correlation, the soil solution plus exchangeable Mn, held onto organic site and oxide surface (amorphous) and DTPA-extractable Mn, increased with increase in organic carbon of the soil. The two forms, adsorbed onto inorganic site (crystalline) and DTPA extractable, along with organic carbon, increased with increase in clay content of the soil. DTPA-Mn and Mn adsorbed onto oxide surfaces and held on organic site decreased with increased with an increase in calcium carbonate and pH. Total Mn was strongly correlated with organic carbon and clay content of soil. Among the forms, Mn held on the organic site, water soluble + exchangeable and adsorbed onto oxide surface were positively correlated with DTPA-extractable Mn. DTPA-extractable Mn seems to be a good index of Mn availability in soils and this form is helpful for correction of Mn deficiency in the soils of the region. The uptake of Mn was greater in fine-textured Inceptisols and Alfisols than in coarse-textured Entisols and Aridisols. Among the different forms only DTPA-extractable Mn was positively correlated with total uptake of Mn. Among soil properties Mn uptake was only significantly affected by pH of the soil.